Why you should vote in ASI Elections

Could this be a nightmare? People are choosing not to vote in the Associated Students Inc. Elections because they disagree with “what’s going on?” Instead, people are opting to vote on the recent MyCalPoly Portal poll saying they don’t plan to vote in the ASI Elections. So wait … people are voting to say they aren’t voting?

Is it just me, or does “voting to not vote” seem a little backwards?

As we begin vote for the next ASI President and Board of Directors, I can’t help but thank the author of the “Boycott ASI Elections: Several reasons not to vote.” Thank you for providing a perfect example of reasons to vote.

Amidst the recent ASI presidential race controversy and especially in light of the above-mentioned opinion piece, I feel now more than ever it is important to share my opinion and a few facts with you. Transparency is important to me as a board member and especially as ASI Elections Chair, and I feel that you should know the following facts:

All members of ASI student overnment are given priority registration. Why, you ask? ASI student government members sit on several university-wide committees and provide student input and perspective on issues such as registration, campus dining, class scheduling, safety on campus and community relations. Campus-wide committee work is a huge part of the job, and priority registration is given in order to schedule classes around branch meetings, sub-committee meetings and university-wide committee meetings. The purpose of these committees is to remedy issues on campus. These committees celebrate “shared governance” — meaning faculty, staff and students make up the committee and work to solve problems and deal with campus issues. That’s the democratic process in action.

Another uncommonly known fact is that the ASI Board of Directors is the “official voice of the students.” The board has the authority to take the “official stance” on an issue on our campus, and can even formally direct the ASI president on any of his/her decision-making. Pretty big responsibility.

The ASI president is the CEO of ASI. The job is equivalent to a full-time job and is financially compensated for the cost of education and room-and-board in order to make ASI the first work priority. The ASI president represents Cal Poly, your voices, monthly at the statewide California State Students Association meetings and regularly to the Cal Poly administration, works closely with the city and other local government entities, serves as Chair of the Student Community Liaison Committee, Co-Chair of the Campus Fee Advisory Committee, and sits on the Athletics Governing Board, Academic Senate and Campus Planning Committee to name a few. In addition to these responsibilities, the ASI President helps direct the organization and works with the Board of Directors, Executive Cabinet and University Union Advisory Board to meet the needs of the student body.

ASI student government elected leaders manage and oversee the allocation of your student fees — that’s roughly $12 million. They pass policies and guidelines that dictate how club-funding money is approved and allocated.

I am not sharing these facts to glorify ASI, ask for a pat on the back or be ridiculed for mentioning the so-called “perks” of being a part of ASI student government.

As a member of student government, I wish the campus was as active, opinionated and constructively critical throughout the entire year — not just during “elections season.” We welcome feedback and the only way we can improve is through feedback from you, the voices we were elected to serve and represent.

Our college campus is a microcosm of the real world. This is the time to develop patterns of behavior that we carry with us for the rest of our lives. How we manage our time, the way we analyze and react to situations, eating and exercise habits are all examples of behaviors we modify and then carry forward throughout our lives. The act of voting is no exception to this list. By choosing to vote, it means you’re showing up. You’re showing up and doing more than just raising your hand or pointing a finger; you’re speaking. Your vote is your voice. Voting in our ASI Elections is an expression of that voice.

There is more power in casting your vote, your voice, than simply choosing to not vote because you disagree with the organization or the candidates. ASI is your organization. The name is Associated Students Incorporated for a reason. By casting your vote for elected positions it signifies you want to be a part of something bigger and you believe in the future of Cal Poly.

ASI Elections does not only pertain to a certain portion of the campus or a selected number of students; every student’s ASI fee money goes into the budget the ASI Board of Directors manages. Every student’s ASI fee money goes to pay for activities such as the Recreation Center expansion and the operation of the ASI Children’s Center. Every student’s needs and interests are considered when the ASI Board of Directors shape the corporate policy of the organization and every student is represented by the ASI President, who is seen as the face and spokesperson of Cal Poly.

So yes, it’s a little important that you vote, and it’s a little important that you care. I want you to recognize that your vote does matter. The students elected are a reflection of our campus, of your college and of you. I encourage you to keep your comments, opinions and constructive criticism flowing so we can help to shape ASI even more as an organization that helps more accurately reflect you. I encourage you to clear your throat and speak a little louder — please hear and feel the power of your voice. I know I am listening.

Kelsey Rice is an agribusiness senior and ASI Elections Chair.